Project Description

This repeat client of mine wished to decorate and furnish this reception room to make an elegant and inviting lounge for either daytime coffee with friends or cocktails before dinner. The beautiful proportions of the room, with period features, allowed me to mix modern and vintage in a scheme that is elegant and inviting.

The lead design idea for the room is a circular concept achieved by two curved sofas placed either side of the fireplace. This creates a convivial space for entertaining. A pair of sculptural armchairs provide additional seating and are covered in a more striking fabric for visual interest. The sideboard and coffee table are vintage Danish rosewood and add depth and texture to the colour palette. While the colours of the room are reflected perfectly in the round rug by GAN.

Dark contrast is achieved by painting the previously white fireplace and the woodwork trim in dark chocolate brown. This decision felt a little scary, but really gives definition and a designed look to the space. To add further depth and interest the walls are papered in a canvas linen wallcovering which provides a subtle silver sheen when the light reflects off it. Finally, the pink glass chandelier adds a colourful flourish to the ceiling!

The fireplace surround and woodwork painted in Chocolate brown by Little Greene grounds the scheme and creates a dark reference to balance the lighter walls and oak floor. The Silver Mink wallcovering provides texture and really contributes to creating an elegant and inviting lounge.

The armchairs are Halabala chairs from the Czech Republic, which I sourced from Etsy. They were manufactured in the 1950s and are very comfortable to sit on. Firstly I refinished the wood on the arms and legs to bring out the beautiful grain. Secondly they were re-padded, and finally upholstered in Osborne & Little's Chromatica fabric. Happily the chairs also tie together the colours of the room and add a pop of energetic pattern.

The symmetry of the two sofas on top of the round rug creates an inviting and sociable space to spend time with friends. The oval table adds to the cosy feeling that the curved sofas create. Final cushions are still to be added and art for the walls.

If you would like a personalised design scheme for a room in your home, please get in touch with me using the details here.

Details of this design scheme for a elegant and inviting lounge:

Wallcovering from Phillip Jeffries Silver Mink from the Canvas Linen collection

Paint - Little Greene's Chocolate #124

Sofas - the Gianni from Daia Home covered in Linwood's Pink Lace velvet

Rug - the Ply round rug by GAN

Sideboard and coffee table - from thefurniturerooms.co.uk and Vinterior

Halabala armchairs from Etsy. Reupholstered by Make Your Statement Upholstery in Osborne & Little's Chromatica velvet

Chandelier - pink glass Toronto chandelier from Pure White Lines